Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces federal investigation over alleged whale decapitation from two decades ago.
At a Glance
- Federal authorities are investigating RFK Jr. for allegedly decapitating a dead whale 20 years ago
- The incident was revealed by Kennedy’s daughter in a 2012 interview that recently resurfaced
- Kennedy disclosed the investigation during a campaign event for Donald Trump in Phoenix
- The National Marine Fisheries Service confirmed the investigation but provided no details
- Kennedy suggests the investigation might be politically motivated due to his support for Trump
Federal Investigation Launched into Decades-Old Incident
Federal authorities have opened an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning an alleged incident from two decades ago where he reportedly decapitated a dead whale and took its head home. The investigation came to light when Kennedy himself disclosed it during a campaign event for Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona. The National Marine Fisheries Service, responsible for enforcing laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, has confirmed the investigation but declined to provide specifics, citing a policy against commenting on open investigations.
The incident in question was initially brought to public attention through a 2012 interview with Kennedy’s daughter, Kathleen Kennedy. The interview recently resurfaced on social media, reigniting interest in the unusual event. According to Kathleen’s account, her father used a chainsaw to remove the whale’s head and transported it home, causing quite a commotion on the highway.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being investigated for collecting dead whale https://t.co/wMmMciAwgo
— WUSA9 (@wusa9) September 20, 2024
Kennedy’s Response and Political Implications
When questioned about the investigation, Kennedy mentioned receiving a letter about it but declined to confirm or deny the allegations. He suggested that the timing of the investigation might be politically motivated, given his recent endorsement of Donald Trump. Kennedy criticized the media for focusing on what he termed “gossipy nonsense” instead of more pressing issues.
“Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet,” Kathleen Kennedy recalls. “We all had plastic bags over our heads with mouth holes cut out, and people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us.” – Source
This vivid description from Kennedy’s daughter paints a bizarre picture of the alleged incident, highlighting the unusual nature of the situation. It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Kennedy has been associated with unconventional behavior involving deceased animals. He previously claimed responsibility for leaving a dead bear in New York’s Central Park, an incident that caused significant public interest and confusion.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The investigation into this decades-old incident raises questions about the enforcement of environmental laws and the statute of limitations for such offenses. Kennedy himself has suggested that the statute of limitations may have expired for this incident. However, the involvement of federal authorities indicates the seriousness with which they are treating the allegations.
“I’m not interested in feeding that feature of the mainstream media,” Kennedy said.
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, an organization supporting Kamala Harris for president, has claimed that Kennedy’s alleged actions may have violated federal laws. They have written to marine protection officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to present their case. NOAA has confirmed receipt of the letter and is in the process of compiling a response.
As this investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences that can arise from actions involving protected species, even decades after the fact. It also highlights the intersection of environmental law, politics, and public scrutiny that often surrounds high-profile figures in American politics.
